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This position has closed. University of Chicago removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 25, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Research Specialist 1

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $59,809–$70,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 22, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a run that failed. How did you work out why?

What they are checking: Troubleshooting method rather than repeating the run and hoping.

An investigator is unhappy with data the facility produced and thinks the problem is on your end. How do you handle that conversation?

What they are checking: Composure and willingness to investigate rather than get defensive.

This asks for a bachelor's in biology or genomics plus one year in a genetics facility, and pays $59,809 to $70,000. What would you want to learn in your first year here?

What they are checking: That they read the level and have a real development goal.

What would you do

A sample arrives with quality metrics below what the protocol requires. What do you do?

What they are checking: Judgment about when to proceed, redo, or go back to the investigator.

You work in a core facility serving many research groups. How do you handle two investigators who both need their run first?

What they are checking: Prioritizing in a shared core where everyone's work is urgent.

How do you keep instruments running well when several people share them?

What they are checking: Shared equipment stewardship, a real part of core facility work.

About the work

This role performs single cell and micro-array services in a shared genomics facility. Walk me through preparing DNA and RNA samples for sequencing, including how you decide a pooling strategy.

What they are checking: Hands-on library preparation experience, which the posting requires explicitly.

The facility runs both Illumina and Pacific Biosciences sequencing. How do those platforms differ in what they are good for?

What they are checking: Platform knowledge rather than protocol following.

How do you keep a single cell preparation consistent when small handling differences change the result?

What they are checking: Technique discipline in a method that is sensitive to the operator.

What do you record about a sample so that a result can be explained a year from now?

What they are checking: Documentation habits, which determine whether facility data holds up.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD SRF - Genomics -Next GEN About the Department The University of Chicago Genomics Facility offers Next-Generation Sequencing (Illumina and Pacific Biosciences Sequencing and Library prep), Micro-array (Illumina Infinium genotyping and EPIC arrays), Sanger DNA Sequencing, and Bio-analyzer/Fragment-analyzer sample QC services. For Single Cell sequencing project the Facility operates a 10X Genomics instrument as well as a Takara iCell8. Job Information Job Summary : Research Specialist 1 for Chicago, IL location. Perform single cell and micro-array services for experiments. Along with other members of the facility, will operate the Facility’s sample QC equipment, which includes fragment analyzer, bio-analyzer, qubit, and Pippin. Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project. Prepares, analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens (DNA & RNA) for sequencing, pooling strategies or required core manipulations. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents. Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator. Additional Responsibilities Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Genomics or related field plus 1 year of experience in genetics facility or related lab required. Required: Education or experience must include: prepare DNA & RNA samples for sequencing (including pooling strategies and required core manipulations); single cell sequencing experiment and/ or micro-array experiments. $59,809/yr - $70,000/yr + Benefits: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide . The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Benefit Eligibility ​ Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Range $59,809.00 - $70,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Union Non-Union Job is Exempt Yes Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Posting Date 2026-08-14 Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.